Chapter 3

Please read the chapter thoroughly at least once, and write down any questions you have or any verses that stick out to you. 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203&version=ESV

STUDY

• What are we not supposed to put confidence in?

• Do you think Paul had reason to have confidence in his flesh?

• What does Paul forget, but focus on?

• Where is our citizenship?

APPLICATION

• How much confidence do you place on your flesh?  Why shouldn't we place confidence in the flesh?

• What does Paul mean to forget what lies behind? Are you supposed to forget all things past?

• In verse 17, Paul says, "Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk accordign to the example you have in us." That's a pretty significant statement.  Paul says, do what I do. Can we say the same about our life? Does our life reflect Jesus so much that we can encourage others to follow our example?

PRUNING ME

    "Put no confidence in the flesh." Yeah, I need to stop exalting myself. Who do I think I am? When I read Paul's biography that he gives in verses 4-6, I am humbled.  For awhile, even in my Christian walk, I found security and identity in my past and it gave me worldly confidence.  When I shared my testimony I had pride in sharing specifics about my party days of getting drunk and having sex.  For so long that was my identity, and I thought my Christian friends would be impressed by it.  Although my testimony of transformation hasn't changed, I find no identity with my past anymore.  I keep focusing on my future with Him rather than remembering my past without.  Don't place importance or idol your past- but look forward to what Christ is going to do in you for the glory of His name.  Move forward in your relationship with Him- continue to mature and grow.  May your purpose be for the Kingdom and not for this earth.  May all you do be for Him and the eternal reward rather than for an earthly reward. How much confidence do you put in yourself? Let's step off our self-made pedestal and be humble, as Jesus was humble. 

    I want to live above reproach.  It's not that I want to be exalted, but in humility, I want my life to reflect Jesus so much, that others could follow my example of loving Jesus and living for Him. We should look to examples that God has placed on this earth.  Ultimately Jesus is the best example, but there are men and women of God who are above reproach and who we can look to as a role model in following Jesus on this earth.  Who is your earthly example?  Could you say as Paul did, "imitate me"?

• Leanne